The Vineyard Oast: A Prime Staycation
With a private swimming pool, boating lake, games room and space to sleep up to 25, The Vineyard Oast makes the perfect staycation in the Garden of England
An hour south of London on the edge of the pretty Kentish village of Appledore, a short walk from the vineyards of award-winning English wine producer Gusbourne, you will find The Vineyard Oast. The luxury of this large holiday home is in its extensive list of amenities which range from a boating lake to a big screen, and from a hot tub to a games room. But perhaps best of all is the new indoor heated swimming pool, set in its own poolhouse with poolside gym equipment, another 8-seater hot tub and twin changing rooms.
Situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Vineyard Oast is Prime Staycation’s flagship property. With ten bedrooms and eight bathrooms spread across two buildings, The Vineyard Oast sleeps up to 25 guests making it perfect for multi-generation families who want to get away together. But it also works well for groups of friends, families and corporate guests who want plenty of space, indoors and out, to socialise.
The historic oast house is the heart of the complex with a well-equipped kitchen including space to seat all guests. Modern amenities make it easy to cater for and entertain large groups but the character of a country cottage has been retained with the careful preservation of brickwork, tiled floors and beams and the distinctive twin-towered roof and white cowl tops that are characteristic of Kentish oast houses. These historic buildings which are particularly prevalent in Kent were once used for drying hops from the fields which helped the county earn its reputation as the Garden of England.
"The Vineyard Oast sleeps up to 25 guests"
Now the hops are mostly gone but, in this location at least, they have been replaced by something arguably better: vineyards. The Gusbourne wine estate, is a close neighbour of The Vineyard Oast and can be reached along footpaths in around 15 minutes. Its tasting room offers a pleasant place to while away an afternoon sampling Gusbourne’s award-winning still and sparkling wines and there are tours of the winery available too – a proven attraction for corporate groups who have stayed at The Vineyard Oast.
The house is within walking distance of the historic village of Appledore where there’s a pub, shop, tearoom, children’s play area and church on the edge of the Royal Military Canal, another lovely place for a walk. Other attractions for family groups range from the historic towns of Rye and Tenterden, both within 10 miles, to the sand dunes and beach at Camber and the Rare Breeds Centre in nearby Woodchurch. It’s also not far from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Port Lympne Safari Park and Dover Castle but it’s the grown-up attractions of the inspiring countryside location and the vineyards which make The Vineyard Oast attractive for corporate stays.
Perfect for special occasions
Kelly Rouse, one of the Directors of Prime Staycation, which markets the property says: “The Vineyard Oast is, first and foremost, a great place for a family holiday. It’s attracting families celebrating a special occasion, like a big birthday or wedding anniversary – the type of celebration where you want to get all the family together. And although it’s close to plenty of attractions, including the beaches of the south coast, many find the property itself offers everything they need for a great getaway.”
Rouse continues: “It’s proving popular with corporate clients with its flexible space allowing for round-table discussions and break-out rooms with plenty of space for down-time.
“So if you are looking to visit with family, friends or colleagues, Prime Staycation can provide personal recommendations on every aspect of your stay from where to find a private chef to transportation to one of the local vineyards. We use an experienced events company to tailor your stay.”
The company is building a portfolio of high-end holiday lets and has extensive knowledge of the properties they promote. Each member of this family-run business has personally inspected and stayed at the holiday homes they promote, so are able to offer detailed advice on the things that matter.
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